A new powder metallurgy routine to fabricate TiB₂/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu nanocomposites based on composite powders with pre-embedded nanoparticles

A new powder metallurgy routine was proposed to fabricate TiB₂/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu nanocomposites with a uniform dispersion of nano-TiB₂ based on novel designed composite powders with pre-embedded nanoparticles (CPEPs). The CPEPs were designed according to interaction of advanced solid/liquid interface with particles. The critical interface velocity model for engulfing nano-TiB₂ was modified in view of the effect of grain size, which predicts the uniform distribution of nano-TiB₂ during solidification. The CPEPs were directly subjected to sintering without milling, which is more efficient. The state of uniform dispersion of nanoparticles was retained after post-treatment leading to better comprehensive mechanical properties.